The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has enhanced its operational capabilities by acquiring two new 80-ton bollard pull tugboats, MT IRAGBIJI and MT BAMA, which have been deployed to improve vessel berthing at the Dangote Refinery and Lekki Deep Seaport. These state-of-the-art marine crafts were commissioned by Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, on Thursday in Lagos.
The Daily Sun reports that the new vessels are expected to bolster port security, patrol, and surveillance while providing efficient pilotage and towage services, crucial for the growing cargo evacuation needs of the Lekki maritime corridor.
Speaking at the commissioning, Oyetola emphasized that this investment is a significant step towards enhancing port efficiency and reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a leading maritime nation. He highlighted the administration’s commitment to developing the nation’s maritime assets and recognized the critical role efficient port operations play in accelerating economic growth.
“We recognize the critical role that efficient port operations play in accelerating economic growth and will do all that is required to update the existing facilities to deliver on this,” Oyetola stated. “By acquiring these modern marine crafts, we are reaffirming our commitment to maximize the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement. We are determined to optimize our competitive edge as a littoral nation and deepen our efficiencies through the deployment of cutting-edge technology and equipment.”
Mohammed Bello-Koko, managing director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, noted that this acquisition positions the Ports Authority to attain regional hub status by efficiently servicing domestic cargo needs, reclaiming transit cargo previously lost to neighboring maritime nations, and meeting the maritime requirements of landlocked neighbors. He outlined the NPA’s three-pronged strategy, driven by people, technology, infrastructure, and modern equipment like the newly commissioned vessels.
The acquisition of these marine crafts is part of the NPA’s deliverables under the Presidential/Ministerial Performance Bond, aiming to optimize Nigeria’s marine and blue economy through advanced marine technology and equipment. Bello-Koko pointed out that the marine crafts would serve operations at the Lekki corridor, a crucial hub for Nigeria’s energy self-sufficiency, agricultural growth, and trade transshipment capacity.
“Data from Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals shows that 120 tanker vessels have been handled in the six months from January to June 2024, with a projection for 415 between July and December, while Dangote Fertilizers have handled 17 fertilizer vessels with a projection for 41 in the corresponding period,” he said. “We are by these commissioning and ancillary deployments putting mechanisms in place to cater for continuous increase going forward.”
Bello-Koko commended the Minister for his support in enhancing the Ports Authority’s operational efficiencies. Adewale Adeniyi, comptroller general of the Nigeria Customs Service, praised the collaboration between Customs and NPA in developing the export sector, automating processes, decongesting ports, and ensuring efficiency. He assured that Customs would continue to support ease of doing business to grow the maritime industry.
Dayo Mobereola, director general of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), applauded the NPA and the Minister for their efforts in driving efficient service delivery in the nation’s port industry. He emphasized that trade facilitation relies on efficiency, which is essential for Nigeria to regain cargo lost to neighboring West African ports.
